Page 94 of Contentious

“I look like the Creature from the Black Lagoon.”

He chuckled. “That’s not possible.”

“No, really. I cried for twelve straight hours.”

“I still want a kiss, even if you’re a slimy lizard now.”

Offering a wan smile, she leaned in to touch her lips to his.

“PS, you’re as beautiful as always.”

“Don’t lie to my face.”

“I never would. Does Ty know what happened?”

She nodded. “I had no choice but to tell him, and he insisted on coming to the hospital last night. He’s in the waiting room with your family.”

“Give me five more kisses, and then you can go get him.”

“Why five?”

“I’d take ten if you were so inclined.”

“Are you using this situation to advance your agenda by any chance?”

“What if I am?”

“You’re shameless.”

“I care about you, Cresley. And Ty. I realized it would’ve sucked if I died before I told you that.”

More tears spilled down her cheeks when he said that. How could she have any tears left? “We care about you, too. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been that scared before, and I hope I never am again.”

“I’m sorry you were scared and upset. Everything will be fine. I promise.”

His assurances went a long way toward alleviating some of the intense anxiety she’d been carrying since she saw him lying in the yard covered in blood.

“Now, about those ten kisses you were going to give me…”

Smiling at his post-surgical priorities, she leaned over the bed rail and kissed him ten times. “Happy now?”

“That’ll hold me for about half an hour, so you’d better stick around.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Carson’s nurse came in to replace an IV bag and check his vitals. “How’s the pain?”

“I’m okay.”

“Let me know if that changes.”

“You’ll be the first to know. My friend’s son wants to come in to see me. He’s a very grown-up seven-year-old who needs to see that I’m okay. Is it all right if he comes in?”

“Yes, it’s fine. I’ll let my supervisor know that there’ll be a minor child visiting. Usually, we require prior approval, but since you’re asking for him, we can make that happen.”

“Thank you.”

After she left, he looked at Cresley. “Will you bring Ty in?”